On ancient mariner's route

Ace Indian sailor Amit Arvind rides the high seas in the historic wooden ship Gotheborg

"I had never seen anything like it. I could not believe such a ship could actually sail." This was Indian Navy Lieutenant Commander Amit Arvind's first reaction when he saw the replica of the historic wooden ship, the Gotheborg, which docked in Chennai on January 31 for the first time. Arvind was part of an international team, which in October 2005, traced the ship's 18th century trade route from Sweden to China. 

And despite doubts over the vessel's sailability, the Gotheborg did sail this time, unlike in 1745, when the East Indiaman ship sank in front of all those who came to see her off.

The ace Indian sailor was invited on board for the vessel in December 2006, as the ship made its way home from Hong Kong. Travelling with three other Indians, including actress Revathi, and 77 other people, Arvind said he was lucky and "privileged."

For the nation's number one sailor (he's also ranked number five  in Asia for sailing Laser Class ships) this trip is a prelude to a much more gruelling schedule for the Olympics.

"I am looking forward to a good experience on this ship. And frankly, I am also looking for publicity and sponsorship," he said candidly before leaving in December. But that was before he got a taste of old-fashion sailing.

But, on reaching land after 17 tough days at sea (from December 14 - January 31), he had something else to say. "It was an awesome experience. But, 17 days at  sea were quite exhausting. I have never done anything like this before.

"The ship has been constructed the way it was done in the olden days - by hand. The makers had no documents to refer to, so they used their own ideas. Can you believe that the nails which have been used to construct the ship are exactly like those used over 200 years ago? We sailed it the way Vikings did."

While giving a history of the ship and Arvind said: "Just imagine, the total value of the ship's consignment, which sank over 200 years ago, amounted to the total GDP of Sweden in the year of 1745 - it was one of the most prosperous years in Swedish history. When the new ship was recovered, people realised that only 25 per cent of it was salvagable - those parts were used while construction the new boat.

Ask him whether he would like to repeat the experience, and without hesitating, Arvind replies: "Not this kind of a ship. Maybe another vessel that'll teach me something new."